Liverpool plotting a surprise move for Tosin Adarabioyo—Decent choice?

Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo is reportedly on the radar of Liverpool ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Nigeria international’s contract at Craven Cottage expires at the end of the season and he is yet to agree an extension, meaning he could be potentially available on a free transfer. As a result, several clubs are keeping tabs on the central defender’s situation at the west London club.

According to The Standard, Liverpool could make a move for Tosin Adarabioyo as they need English players to meet their UEFA quota for homegrown players in the Champions League next season.

Adarabioyo, 25, has been one of the Cottagers’ best performers since their return to the Premier League last season. Despite Fulham’s solid performances in the top flight for a second successive season, the defender is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal and could leave on a free transfer this summer.

Apart from Liverpool, Serie A giants AC Milan are also interested in the Nigerian centre-back’s signature, the report adds.

Tosin Adarabioyo to Liverpool—Decent choice on a free transfer?

Liverpool are keen to reinforce their defence this summer as they start planning for life after Jurgen Klopp, who said in January that the 2023–24 season will be his final one at Anfield, citing a need for a sabbatical from the game due to mental exhaustion.

Joel Matip is currently sidelined with a serious knee problem and is out of contract at the end of the season, leaving Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Joe Gomez and Jarrell Quansah as the centre-back options currently at Klopp’s disposal. With Joe Gomez the latest casualty, the Reds have already started scouring the market for a new centre-back.

Thus, the Reds are monitoring the situation of Tosin Adarabioyo at Fulham. Adarabioyo remains open to staying at Fulham and will decide his future at the end of the season, which has led to the club signalling their intent to restart negotiations over a new deal after summer talks collapsed. The 26-year-old has endured an injury-hit season, limiting him to just 11 appearances. However, he has performed well whenever fit which has caught the attention of Liverpool.

Adarabioyo would be a cheap yet effective option to strengthen the Reds’ squad, saving funds to invest in other areas of the pitch. Having failed to make the grade at Manchester City, the Nigerian would be desperate to make a move to a big club in the Premier League and prove himself. And Liverpool, who need defensive reinforcements, could turn out to be that club for him.

The 26-year-old would be a solid replacement for the out-of-contract Matip, whose serious knee injury means that he has played his last game for the Merseyside outfit. A Premier League-proven defender, in his prime and for free, Adarabioyo’s signing would make so much sense for Liverpool.